CPRO invites you to another evening of Pike History. This time, Arlington Historian Sara Collins and Dr. Talmadge Williams of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington will revisit the Freedman's Village Story.In the late 1800s, Freedman's Village was home to thousands of freed slaves. Located in what is now the southern part of Arlington National Cemetery, this community was intended to be temporary. But it lasted for almost an entire Century, well into the 1890s when it was closed and the residents dispersed - many of them to neighboring areas along Columbia Pike.

The event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 26th, at 7pm in the Trinity Episcopal Church (2217 Columbia Pike, Arlington VA 22204 [map] ), in close vicinity to the original Freedman's Village location.

Arlington County awarded the development of 122 new residential units to the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH).

CPRO-Member APAH is a non-profit developer with a track record of preserving diversity and affordable housing on the Pike. Its portfolio includes recently renovated Columbia Grove Apartments (South Frederick St.) and the soon to be remodeled Buchanan Gardens complex. (South Buchanan St.).

After completion of the new Arlington Mill Residences APAH will have committed a total of more than 400 affordable units on the Pike in five years. The rents for these units will remain affordable for households currently earning between $30,000 and $60,000. A typical time-span for these commitments is 60 years.

The revitalized Pike Town Center area continues to attract new retailers and service providers. X-Sport-Fitness and Health Club will soon open doors in the Siena Park Building (2301 Columbia Pike). A World Gym franchise will open in the Halstead Building (1028 S Walter Reed Dr.) in the next few months followed by the opening of a new Hair Salon and Day-Spa in the same building.These new retailers and service providers will bring new employment to the Pike and are expected to contribute significantly to the commercial revitalization of our area.

NoVA Streetcar Coalition to hold first annual meeting.

Hear the latest on Northern Virginia's streetcar plans and about streetcar projects emerging across the country.

Arlington County and Fairfax County are proposing a streetcar line in the Columbia Pike corridor. The two counties have engaged the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (also known as Metro) to prepare a combined Environmental Assessment/Alternatives Analysis and are in coordination with the Federal Transit Administration for Federal environmental procedures and capital funding.

The project, known as the Columbia Pike Transit Initiative, would extend along Columbia Pike from the Bailey's Crossroads/Skyline area in Fairfax County to Pentagon City in Arlington County. Alignment and yard options extend to the Northern Virginia Community College within the City of Alexandria, which is participating in the project.

The Pike Transit Initiative is holding two meetings in order to inform Pike Residents and the General Public about the progress of the project.

Both meetings will be identical in format, so please come to the one most convenient for you!

Monday, November 15th, 7pm, at the Goodwin House (Bailey's Crossroads, 344o S. Jefferson St. Falls Church)

Thursday, November 18th, 7pm, at the Walter Reed Community Center (2909, 16th St. South and S Walter Reed Dr., Arlington)

Please plan on attending one of these important meetings! For more information, visit www.piketransit.com. Spanish translation will be provided at the meetings. For special assistance for persons with disabilities, please call (202) 962-1027, at least 10 days prior to the meetings. Please share this invitation with your family, friends, and neighbors. We sincerely appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing you at one of these meetings!.

Halloween EventsWednesday, Oct. 27, 7pm at The Salsa Room: Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) organize their biggest party of the year at The Salsa Room (former Cecilia's). Highlights: Live Music by Trees on Fire. An eco-horror contest! Costume Contest, Silent Auction, Authentic South American Cuisine, Cash Bar and much more.

CPRO's annual membership drive is now underway! The Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) helps to build community, and promote smart growth and economic development in Arlington's Columbia Pike corridor. We are 100% Pike, 100% of the time. Today, our members include more than 20 civic and nonprofit organizations, as are 65 businesses, and more than 180 local residents. Please join them in becoming a CPRO member today? Membership forms are available here.Thank you!

Arlington Historian Sara Collins and Dr. Talmadge Williams of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington will revisit this important chapter of Arlington and Pike History.In the late 1800s, Freedman's Village was home to thousands of freed slaves. Located in what is now the southern part of Arlington National Cemetery, this community was intended to be temporary. But it lasted for almost an entire Century, well into the 1890s when it was closed and the residents dispersed - many of them to neighboring areas along Columbia Pike.The event will take place in the Trinity Episcopal Church, in close vicinity to the original Freedman's Village location.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

"Race for the Cause" will take place in Arlington Sunday-October 17 starting at 8 AM. The following roadway route will be closed 5 AM – 10 AM on Sunday: N. Quincy from Glebe to Wilson Blvd, East on Wilson Blvd to N. 10th Street, East on N. 10th Street to Washington Blvd, South on Washington Blvd ending at Columbia Pike. Take alternative routes when possible.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Ray Anderson will be Master of Ceremonies at a benefit concert sponsored by the Friends of Arlington's David M. Brown planetarium this Saturday night, October 16, from 7:30 to 10:00 in the Washington-Lee auditorium. "HB Woodlawn Teachers" and "Yorktown Yahoos" will be among the performers, while former astronaut Bill Readdy and Congressman Jim Moran are scheduled to speak. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Telescope viewing will be available before and after the show (weather permitting). Suggested donations are adults $15, students $5, and children 12 & under free. Plenty of free parking in the adjacent garage.